Forget the glitter and the elaborate scenes. If you’re looking for some truly fun Elf on the Shelf ideas that won’t keep you up past bedtime, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 14 genuinely funny nut simple Elf on the Shelf ideas that you can pull off in under 5 minutes with stuff you already have at home. And the best part? None of these were in our previous list of 20 ideas, so you’ve got a whole new arsenal of Christmas fun ready to go!
Psst! If you’re looking for more quick elf on the shelf ideas, check out our original list here: 20 Quick And Easy Elf On The Shelf Ideas.
Don’t have an elf yet? No problem! We’ve made it easy to get everything you need for these simple setups. You can find the official Elf on the Shelf and fun accessories quickly on Amazon
Fun Elf On The Shelf Ideas For Maximum Christmas Fun (Without The Stress!)
1. The Cereal Offender – A Fun Elf on the Shelf Idea for Breakfast
Start the morning with a chuckle. This fun Elf on the Shelf idea has the elf lounging in a bowl of cereal, waiting for everyone to get ready. You can also skip the bowl and spread the cereal out around the elf.
- What You Need
- A bowl of cereal
- A bowl and spoon
- The Setup:
- Pour the cereal over the elf in a bowl or on the counter and pose the elf in a lounging position.
2. Stuck in a Tissue Box – Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas That Get a Giggle
This is one of those simple elf on the shelf ideas that gets a huge giggle. It looks like the elf is stuck in the tissue box.
- What You Need:
- An almost empty tissue box
- The Setup:
- Stuff the elf in the tissue box, keep it as haphazard as possible so it looks like it got in and can’t get out again.
3. Toilet Paper Swing – Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with TP
Create a bit of Christmas fun with a roll of toilet paper. Catch your elf using the toilet paper as a Tarzan rope to swing from one side of the bathroom to the other.
- What You Need
- One roll of toilet paper
- The Setup:
- Unroll the toilet paper to create a Tarzan swing from one end to the other.
- Wrap it around the overhead light as an “anchor”.
- Then place one end in ther hands, as if they are about to take off.
4. Photobombing Family Photos – Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas Using Your Home
This fun elf on the shelf idea uses items you already have. Find your elf photobombing a framed family photo while adding a couple of additions to the photo.
- What You Need
- A framed photo
- Tiny googly eyes and red pompoms (optional)
- The Setup:
- Lean the elf against the front of the picture frame, trying to “blend in” with the photo.
- For added mischief, place tiny googly eyes or daw glassed on everyone’s faces.
5. I Spilled the Beans! – Last Minute Elf Ideas With Pantry Staples
A perfect last minute elf idea that needs zero prep. Your elf gets caught red-handed making a mess, from spilling a bag of coffee, dried beans, or candy all over the counter.
- What You Need:
- A bag of something easy to clean (coffee, beans, seed, etc.)
- The Setup:
- Pour a small pile on the counter and place the elf next to or inside the open bag.
6. Remote Control Champion – Quick Elf on the Shelf Ideas for TV Lovers
For a truly easy elf on the shelf idea, find the elf lounging on the couch with the remote, maybe a bag of snacks too. It looksl ike theyve been up all night watching Christmas movies.
- What You Need:
- A TV remote
- The Setup:
- Pose the elf in a relaxed position on the couch and place the remote next to it.
7. Toy Car Joyrides – Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Toys
Unleash some Christmas fun first thing in the morning by letting your elf borrow the toy cars. The kids will crack up when they see that the elves have taken the toy cars on joy rides all night.
- What You Need
- A toy car big enough to sit the elf inside
- The Setup:
- Set the elf in or on the car and place it “mid-drive” in the hallway or halfway across the living room.
8. The Pickle Predicament – A Refrigerated Fun Elf on the Shelf Idea
This fun elf on the shelf idea is a silly surprise to whoever opens the fridge first. The elf is found taking a nice, refreshing drink of pickle juice.
- What You Need:
- Jar of pickles
- A straw
- The Setup:
- Carefully place the elf next to the open jar of pickles, then maneuver it to be holding a straw.
9. Dollar Store Run Away Balloons – Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas for a Big Impact
One of the most visually amazing simple elf on the shelf ideas. Wake up to the elf holding a bunch of balloons that have “runaway” in the night, and he is now on the ceiling.
- What You Need:
- 2 or 3 Balloons from the dollar store
- Tape
- Strings or ribbons
- The Setup:
- Tie the end of the string around the elf’s hands.
- Using the tape, stick the balloons to the ceiling.
10. Game Night Cheater – Christmas Fun with Cards and Games
Spice up your some Christmas fun with an elf and toys game night. The elf is found in the morning playing poker with other toys, obviously winning.
- What You Need:
- Deck of cards
- 2 or 3 other toys
- Coins
- The Setup:
- Deal out cards and place the most about of coins next to the elf.
11. Band-Aid Fun – Quick Elf on the Shelf Ideas from the Medicine Cabinet
A hilarious and easy Elf on the Shelf idea, where it seems the elf went a bit overboard with the band-aids.
- What You Need:
- Box of band aids
- The Setup:
- Stick a couple of band aids onto the elf’s limbs.
12. “I Drew a Self-Portrait!” – Last Minute Elf Ideas for Artistic Elves
The Ultimate last minute elf idea that requires just a pen and paper. The elf is showing off its artistic skills with a charming self-portrait.
- What You Need:
- Paper and pencils
- The Setup:
- Quickly draw the elf. The great thing about this idea is that the drawings can be as bad or as good as your artistic level.
- After all, it is an elf drawing it.
13. A Cookie Jar Caper – Christmas Fun with Your Elf
A classic bit of Christmas fun. The elf is caught in the act of stealing from the cookie jar.
- What You Need:
- Cookie Jar / Container with a lid
- The Setup:
- Prop the elf either inside the jar, looking out, or looking into the jar.
- For an extra bit of fun, scatter cookies outside the jar like they have been thrown.
14. Christmas Bow Escape – Simple Elf On The Shelf Ideas For Windows
This simple elf on the shelf idea is a great one for closer to Christmas. You catch the elf using Christmas bows to climb the window.
- What You Need:
- Gift bows
- The Setup:
- Place bows vertically up towards or on a window
- Stick the limbs of the elf to the bows, like it’s climbing the bows
Your Stress-Free Elf Season Starts Now
See? Creating magical Christmas fun and unforgettable Elf moments doesn’t require a degree in set design or a stockpile of craft supplies. These easy Elf on the Shelf ideas show that the best ideas are often the simplest ones. It’s all about sparking joy and a little laughter for your kids (and saving your precious sanity for yourself during this hectic holiday season).
We hope this list of simple Elf on the Shelf ideas has lifted a huge weight off your shoulders and given you a fresh dose of inspiration. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s about creating a little daily magic that makes your family smile.
Now we want to hear from you! What are your all-time favorite last minute elf ideas? Share your best parent hacks and funniest elf moments in the comments below—let’s help each other out!
And if you’re still looking for even more Elf on the Shelf ideas, be sure to explore our entire Holiday & Christmas section for decor, easy crafts, and family fun ideas. Like these 11 Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas, to make your season bright.